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Basketball and Body Language

Connecticut women’s basketball coach Geno Auriemma provided some of the best advice ever for young athletes attempting to play basketball on another level:

Body language matters on the court and on the bench.

“We put a huge premium on body language, and if your body language is bad, you will never get in the game. Ever,” he said during a news conference Saturday. “I don’t care how good you are.”

Pay attention to your body language when playing basketball

Understand team play

Players on the bench should be engaged as well. Showing your support goes a long way and proves that you are a team player and not a “ME” player. He says , players who are not engaged and involved while on the bench won’t play.

“Young players who don’t even know which pivot to use act too cool and are only happy for themselves and not their teammates.”

The game is about ``WE`` NOT ``ME``

“I’d rather lose than watch the way some kids play the way they play. I’d rather lose. They’re allowed to get away with just whatever, and they’re always thinking about themselves. Me, me, me, me. I didn’t score so why should I be happy. I’m not getting enough minutes, why should I be happy. That’s the world we live in today. Unfortunately. Kids check the scoreboard sometimes because they’re going to get yelled at if they don’t score enough points. Don’t get me started.”

When you tryout for your middle and high school teams, there will be tons of kids in the gym that can play basketball. Separate yourself now by adopting a team attitude, present great body language and be vocal. It will set you apart from the sea of athletes in the gym. There were 70 players in the gym during my 2015-2016 middle school tryout, take this advice and put it into action. My attitude determines everything, is not just a slogan, it should be one of the guiding principles in your life.